Thursday, October 10

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2019

"But Timothy has just now to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love.  He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.  Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.  For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.  How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?  Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith." (1 Thessalonians 3:6-10)

How do you react upon hearing good news from or about your friends and family?  It brings a smile to your heart, right?  You might even experience a warm sensation of tenderness and an immediate closeness with the person being discussed.

Paul expresses similar emotions upon receiving Timothy's encouraging report about the faithfulness and loving nature of the Thessalonian believers.  From Acts, we understand that Paul had spent approximately three weeks in Thessalonica, having encountered heavy persecution that drove him from town.  Now, Paul is figuratively returned to his friends, rejoicing in God's presence because of them.  Paul celebrates their faith and love, having mentioned in Chapter 1 that their faith had rung out throughout Macedonia and Achaia as an example to others.

Paul's tenderness towards the Thessalonians imitated that of a father and mother (Chapter 2).  Having poured out his life for these brothers and sisters, he may rejoice in their healthy faith.

Reading through Paul's letters, we recognize that he viewed his life as an investment:  a drink offering to be poured out for the sake of the Gospel and the glory of God.  Deploying his investment proved costly for Paul, leading to persecution and other physical hardships.  Nonetheless, he found his satisfaction in knowing "to live is Christ."

How are you investing your life?  As we go before the Lord during our 40 days of frontline prayer, how is God speaking to you about your calling and purpose?  How could you invest your life differently in this 40-day period and beyond?  The rewards of such an investment could be changed lives, healing for broken hearts, and greater glory for the One Who deserves it all.

Lord God, thank You for giving us relationships with others and opportunities to share our lives.  Help us to invest our time and lives in people and Your Word.  Give us courage to organize our life's priorities according to Your Word.  Give us great joy as we see others flourishing under Your care.  We celebrate the life You have given us in Your Son, in Whose Name we pray.  Amen.